How have the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen issues affected their 2025 postseason run?

The Dodgers have relied heavily on rookie pitchers Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan to secure crucial outs in the playoffs, as their veteran relievers like Blake Treinen have struggled.

What is the Dodgers' strategy for managing their pitching staff in the 2025 playoffs?

The Dodgers have been using a mix of starting pitchers and unproven relievers to get through games, minimizing the role of their traditional bullpen arms.

How have the Dodgers' 2025 World Series title defense been impacted by their bullpen challenges?

The Dodgers' reliance on young, inexperienced pitchers has created uncertainty around their ability to sustain their success and defend their championship.

Home / Sports / Rookie Relievers Emerge as Dodgers' Playoff Saviors

Rookie Relievers Emerge as Dodgers' Playoff Saviors

8 Oct

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Summary

Dodgers have used only 12 outs from traditional relievers in NLDS
Rookie pitchers Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan have stepped up
Veteran reliever Blake Treinen struggling, losing manager's trust

Rookie Relievers Emerge as Dodgers' Playoff Saviors

In the 2025 MLB playoffs, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in an unusual position. Just a year after winning the World Series by leaning heavily on their bullpen, the Dodgers are now avoiding using their most notable relievers. As of October 9th, 2025, the Dodgers have gotten only 12 outs from traditional relievers in their National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Instead, the Dodgers have turned to rookie pitchers Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan to shoulder the burden. Sasaki, a starting pitcher making his first relief appearances, has emerged as the team's "primary option" in the ninth inning, though manager Dave Roberts acknowledges he can't close every game. Sheehan, another starter-turned-reliever, has also earned the trust of the coaching staff with his clutch performances.

Meanwhile, veteran reliever Blake Treinen, once a trusted arm for the Dodgers, has struggled and appears to be losing the manager's confidence. The Dodgers are still searching for answers in the bullpen as they aim to advance deeper into the playoffs and defend their World Series title.

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